Europe
Poland
Safe, affordable and easy to travel: fast trains, cheap food, lively student cities like Kraków and Wrocław, plus mountains and Baltic beaches. Winters are cold, grey and dark early.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyPLNUS$1 ≈ zł3.89Details
- Price level52%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType C, E230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 997 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 998 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableMains water is safe to drink; old pipes in some buildings affect taste, so many locals filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalAttitudes have warmed fast in big cities; Warsaw and Kraków have open scenes.Details
- Internet215 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 109 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightEU licences valid; others should carry an IDP. 0.2‰ alcohol limit; dipped headlights on at all times.
Where to go in Poland
11 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KrakowCity | 4/5 | $1,800–2,570 | Apr–Jun, Sep | 43/100 |
| WarsawCapital city | 4/5 | $2,060–3,090 | May–Sep | 31/100 |
| GdanskCity | 4/5 | $1,800–2,570 | Jun–Sep | 45/100 |
| WroclawCity | 4/5 | $1,670–2,440 | May–Sep | 51/100 |
| ZakopaneMountain town | 4/5 | $1,540–2,310 | Feb, Jul–Sep | 53/100 |
| PoznanCity | 4/5 | $1,540–2,260 | May–Sep | 57/100 |
| TorunCity | 5/5 | $1,410–2,060 | May–Jun, Sep, Dec | 69/100 |
| SopotTown | 4/5 | $1,930–2,700 | Jun–Sep | 38/100 |
| LodzCity | 4/5 | $1,290–1,930 | May–Jun, Sep | 67/100 |
| KatowiceCity | 4/5 | $1,800–2,700 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 36/100 |
| LublinCity | 5/5 | $1,490–2,190 | May–Jul, Sep | 65/100 |
When to visit Poland
May–September for cities, Tatra hikes and the Baltic coast (busiest July–August). December brings Christmas markets; winters are cold, grey and dark early.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen country. Non-EU visitors are fingerprinted and photographed under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at first entry; passports are no longer stamped.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not required yet; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Schengen visa applicants need travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking alcohol in streets and parks is banned outside licensed areas; police fine on the spot.
- Jaywalking is fined, even on empty streets; wait for the green light.
- Riding without a valid, validated transit ticket brings on-the-spot fines from plain-clothes inspectors.
Etiquette
- Say 'dzień dobry' when entering small shops
- Take shoes off when visiting someone's home
- Bring flowers in odd numbers; even numbers are for funerals
- Most shops close on Sundays; buy groceries on Saturday
Tipping
About 10% in sit-down restaurants for good service. Saying 'dziękuję' while handing over cash can mean 'keep the change'.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Speedtest Global Index – Poland
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visas
- European Commission – Entry/Exit System
- EF English Proficiency Index 2025
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.